Weddings 101

If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon filled with exotic cities, golden desert dunes, romantic riads, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences, Morocco might be the perfect destination. In this episode, I sit down with Azdean Elmoustaquim, founder of Destination Morocco, to explore what makes Morocco one of the most talked-about honeymoon spots in the world. You’ll learn why Morocco is gaining so m...

Planning your wedding day timeline can feel overwhelming. When should hair and makeup start? How long do photos take? Is there a right time for dinner? In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through what a real wedding day looks like from start to finish. You will hear four example hour by hour timelines, including classic, early, brunch, and evening weddings. I also share realistic time rang...

Wedding desserts don’t have to stop at the classic white tiered cake. In this episode, I walk you through creative wedding cake ideas, unique dessert alternatives, and regional traditions that can make your celebration feel even more personal. You’ll learn how to elevate a traditional cake with textured buttercream, hand-painted details, metallic accents, floral designs, and modern flavor combinat...

Planning your wedding budget doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you step by step through how to create, organize, and manage your wedding budget, from setting your total amount and allocating expenses to choosing the best tools, spreadsheets, and apps to stay on track. Learn how to handle deposits, payment schedules, and hidden costs, plus pro wedding planner tip...

Hiring a wedding planner versus doing it yourself is one of the biggest decisions couples face early in the planning process. The choice affects your time, budget, and stress level, and knowing what’s truly worth it can make all the difference. This episode covers what a wedding planner really does, from vendor management to design and day-of coordination, and breaks down how their expertise can s...

Planning your wedding and worried about breaking an etiquette rule you didn’t even know existed? In this episode of Weddings 101, I cover 18 surprising wedding etiquette rules every couple should know, from invitation wording and plus-one policies to vendor tipping and post-wedding thank-you notes. Learn how to avoid awkward moments, keep guests happy, and create a celebration that feels effortles...

In Part 2 of Jamie Krantz’s wedding story, she opens up about the emotional journey of finding a wedding dress that truly felt like her. She also talks candidly about her alterations challenges, how she handled the unexpected stress, and why she encourages every bride to find a dress that fits them, not the other way around. When Hurricane Helene forced her to postpone her Asheville Arboretum wedd...

When Jamie Krantz began planning her dream fall wedding at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, she had everything perfectly in place, from the venue and color palette to the meaningful traditions she wanted to include. But just weeks before her big day, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina and forced her to completely rethink her plans. In this episode, Jamie walks us through her wedding pla...

Talking about money during wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially when parents, in-laws, and different expectations are involved. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through how to split wedding costs fairly, approach family with confidence, and avoid the awkwardness that often comes with financial conversations. You’ll hear about the traditional rules versus today’s reality, s...

Choosing your wedding party doesn’t have to be stressful. This episode breaks down everything you need to know about picking bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants while making thoughtful decisions that honor your closest friends and family. Learn how to assign roles based on strengths and availability, balance family and friend dynamics, and set clear expectations to ensure everyone feels c...

Think a victorian mansion wedding is out of reach on a tight budget? Sydney hosted 100 guests at a victorian mansion for less than $15,000, showing it can be done. In this episode of Weddings 101, she walks through the smart choices and cost-saving strategies that made her dream day both elegant and affordable. From negotiating contracts to skipping a bridal party and leaning on her venue’s multi-...

Where does all the money really go when you plan a wedding? In this episode, I uncover the hidden wedding costs couples often miss and explain how to prepare for them before they derail your plans. From venue service fees and catering surprises to alterations, décor, photography add-ons, and even permits, these extra expenses can add thousands of dollars to your big day. I share why these costs ex...

Your wedding stationery is more than just paper. It is the first impression your guests will have of your celebration and the thread that ties your event together from start to finish. In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Wiedenfeld, the owner and artist behind Rachel Wiedenfeld Studio, to talk about save the dates, invitations, and day of stationery. Rachel shares expert advice on when to send...

You’ve planned every detail of your wedding, and now it’s time to bring it all together. In this episode, I cover how to execute your wedding week and day-of coordination with confidence. From final vendor confirmations and must-have printed items, to packing your emergency kit, assigning a reliable point person, and preparing gratuities, this is your ultimate wedding week checklist. I also cover...

In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with my friend Sarah to talk about her Long Island wedding at Westbury Manor. She shares how she compared venues across North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New York before choosing an all-inclusive venue that made planning easier and stress-free. From guest accommodations and catering to décor and day-of coordination, Sarah explains why going all-inclusiv...

Finalizing wedding details and logistics is what transforms months of planning into a smooth wedding day. In this episode, I cover seating charts, guest transportation, vendor schedules, hotel blocks, parking, permits, and how to build a complete wedding day timeline. Whether you’re preparing now or planning ahead, you’ll learn how to keep everything organized so your day feels seamless.

If you want a wedding day that feels calm, organized, and joy filled, not rushed or chaotic, your planning timeline is your secret weapon. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down exactly how to create and maintain a wedding planning timeline that keeps you on track from “yes” to “I do.” You’ll learn when to book vendors, send invitations, and make key decisions, plus how to break big goals i...

If you’ve never planned a wedding before, sending Save the Dates and invitations might seem simple, but there’s a lot more to consider than just telling people when and where to show up. In this episode, I walk you through when to send each piece of your wedding stationery, what to include, how to design them, and ways to clearly communicate who is invited. From traditional printed invites to digi...

In this episode, I dive into step 8 of the wedding planning process: developing your wedding design and decor plan. If you're feeling overwhelmed by Pinterest boards and inspiration overload this is where it all starts to come together. I break down how to create a wedding mood board, select a color palette that fits your venue and season, and decide what decor projects are worth doing yourself an...

You’ve booked your venue, photographer, and caterer. Now what? In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through exactly when to book every other wedding vendor on your list, from florists and rentals to hair and makeup, signage, transportation, and more. I'll cover common booking mistakes, what questions to ask, and the planning details most couples don’t find out until it’s too late. If you’re...

Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than just their portfolio. It’s about finding someone who understands your story, helps you feel completely at ease, and captures the moments that truly matter. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Raleigh-based wedding photographer Ivy Ren to unpack what couples should really consider before booking their wedding photographer. We talk abou...

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most memorable moments of the entire wedding planning process, but it can also bring questions, pressure, and unexpected stress. In this episode, I cover everything you need to know about choosing your wedding gown and coordinating the rest of your bridal party’s attire. From the ideal timeline to start dress shopping to tips on staying within budget, I walk th...

Looking for a meaningful, one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember your wedding day? In this episode of Weddings 101, I speak with Autumn Hunter, a live wedding portrait artist, about how she turns wedding moments into heirloom-quality oil paintings. Autumn shares everything brides need to know about what a live painting actually looks like on the wedding day, how she captures the emotion and essence of...

Planning your wedding look and searching for bridal hair and makeup that lets you look like you while highlighting your natural beauty? In this episode, I talk with Allyson Smith, the lead stylist and owner of Allyson’s Chair, about how to create a wedding day look that feels authentic, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. From when to book your beauty team to what to bring to your bridal trial,...

You’ve booked your venue and set the date, and now it’s time to hire your Big Three wedding vendors: your photographer or videographer, caterer, and officiant. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through everything you need to know to confidently find and book these essential professionals. From narrowing down photography styles to navigating catering options and understanding religious an...